Is Shame Something to Resist—or to Reconsider? - Lecture 1

What is shame — and is it always something to overcome? In this opening lecture of a three-part series, Oxford-trained biblical scholar Dr. Shannon Parrott offers a thoughtful, accessible exploration of shame that draws on moral philosophy, theology, and lived experience.

Drawing on the work of moral philosopher Krista Thomason, Dr. Parrott defines shame as the felt tension between our self-conception — our own sense of who we are — and how some feature of our identity eclipses or defines that self-image. Through relatable examples and personal storytelling, she unpacks why shame is so difficult to define, why it affects people so differently, and why it cannot be reduced to guilt or the act of shaming others.

In this lecture, you'll explore:

The difference between shame, guilt, and acts of shaming

How identity is constructed through self-conception, unchosen traits, and the perspectives of others

Why shame is both a social and deeply personal emotion

How faith — and specifically a Christian understanding of identity in Christ — reframes the shame experience

A phenomenological approach to understanding shame across diverse life situations

This lecture is ideal for students, theologians, counselors, and anyone navigating the emotional and spiritual dimensions of shame. It is the first in a series that culminates in practical guidance for moving from shame toward transformation.

This lecture was recorded live at Upper House on January 30, 2026.

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